Smoke & Lightning: Born To Be Wild (21/?)
MASTER POST
Title: Smoke And Lightning: Born To Be Wild (21/?)
Authors: bloody_adorable and eviltwin
Fandoms: Supernatural RPS
Pairing: Jensen Ackles / Jared Padalecki.
Rating: Adult.
Wordcount: 4,449
Summary: AU. They're born to be wild. At least, Jared is. Jensen's learning, though, and this road-trip that they're on will teach him plenty of lessons. It's a good thing, too, because he'll need what he's learnt when they return and venture onto an altogether more serious step in their relationship. Trust is a major aspect for the both of them and Jensen's will be tested to breaking point as the boys learn how they'll cope together on the road...and off it.
Disclaimer: None of the following is true in any way, and no profit is made from this work of fiction.
Um, omg. Sorry.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
A 50s style diner wasn't quite what Jensen had pictured when Jared had suggested they all go out for dinner, but it was the perfect choice when it came to it. There were six of them; himself, Jared, Chris, Lynn, Brian and Adam, and they crammed into a booth near the window together. Jensen introduced everyone and watched Lynn's eyes raking over Jared. Her lips curled up in a soft smile and he had to stop himself from reaching an arm around Jared and pulling him closer, telling her that Jared was his. He knew he didn't have to. He also knew it probably wouldn't stop her flirting if she was going to.
The waitresses were all dressed in matching pink gingham dresses that barely covered their thighs. Jensen saw Adam checking them out, craning his head round as one particularly cute redhead went past.
"Why don't you ask for her number?"
Adam flushed, shook his head. "Nah, I'm good. I think it's just the uniform, anyway."
Lynn snickered, then quickly pulled her menu up in front of her face when Adam glared at her. It was nothing compared to the look that Brian got when he said,
"Dude, you've been crushing on Katie for six months now. You really need to bite the bullet and ask her out before someone else does."
Jared was watching the exchange with interest, his arm resting comfortably along the back of the booth, fingers brushing against Jensen's shoulder. He turned his head, looked over at Katie who was filling her coffee-pot, and then back at Adam. "She'd totally go for you," he said, and Adam groaned.
"She wouldn't. So can we please just drop it and decide what we're going to eat?"
"Good idea," Chris interrupted. "After the day I've had, I'm freakin' starving."
"What happened today?" Jensen asked, leaning into Jared's body and relaxing.
"Me and Steve had to kick out one of our roomies. Didn't pay his share of the rent. Had a real, shall we say, atmospheric morning. I guess his buddy'll be leavin' soon. I had to get his stuff moved out in between classes."
"I take it from the look on your face that he won't be missed," Brian observed.
"You got it. Guy was a douche anyway." Chris met Jensen's eyes for a second and Jensen understood then exactly why Chris didn't think much of the guy.
"What does Steve think about it?" He asked, though they both knew he wasn't talking about the evicted room-mate.
"He's... Uh, he's okay with it. He was kind of surprised. Guess he thought he knew the guy, you know? But, yeah, he agreed it was for the best."
"So if Jared starts driving me too nuts then he can come live with you?"
Jared protested at that, squeezing his arm around Jensen's body so that he was trapped. "If I start driving you nuts? Excuse me? Who's telling me I can't do this and can't do that, mom?"
"I'm just looking out for you," Jensen laughed, tilting his head back so he could kiss Jared's jaw. "That's all."
"Speaking of looking out for people, you told your buddies about Coulter yet?"
Jensen sat up, anxious suddenly. "No, but-"
"Don't you think you should?"
"What's Coulter?" Brian asked, at the same time.
"Not what," Jensen answered. "Who. He threatened Jared. He's the one that started the fire. And he threatened anyone close to Jared, and anyone who knew someone close to him. I guess you should watch your backs."
Lynn had paled, dropping her menu on the table. "Are you kidding?"
Jensen's mouth turned down. "I wish I was, but I'm not. I think he'll try something with me before he goes for any of you. He's that kind of guy. But the cops are onto him now and they've got Jay's statement. He'll probably be in jail soon enough." He turned to Jared. "Anyway, Mickey said he'd make sure someone was looking out for us."
His friends looked at each other, their faces worried and showing their discomfort.
"Guys, honestly. If you want to go I'll get it. I'm obviously not the smartest choice of guy to be friends with." He looked at each of them expectantly, like he wouldn't be at all surprised if they all upped and left at that very moment. They didn't.
Chris shook his head, narrowing his eyes. "You're the best friend I've got, Jen. Nobody can threaten that. I'm not going anywhere."
"Neither are we," Adam agreed. "If this Coulter guy wants to hurt any of us then he'll have to come through the rest first."
Jensen closed his eyes, feeling overcome with a mix of relief and guilt as Lynn and Brian both appeared to calm and voiced their own agreement. He had doubts, though. "You don't get what the guy is capable of-"
"Bull," Chris interrupted. "Jay's sitting right there. We know exactly what he's capable of. Decision stands, though."
"I don't want you getting into trouble."
Lynn eyed him, her expression turning into a grin which surprised him. "I think we already did when we got to know you," she said.
"Hi, my name's Katie, can I take your order?" The voice was bright and startling and Jensen almost hit Jared in the nose with his head as he jumped back. "Hi, Adam," the girl added.
Adam was blushing and now everybody round the table was looking at him, waiting for him to say something in return. He lifted a hand and waved, weakly. "Hey."
"Are you going to the U on Saturday night? There's supposed to be this really good band playing."
Jensen looked over at Chris and smiled. "The U? Isn't that-" He cut off as Chris banged his knee against Jensen's under the table. "I mean, we should all go, right? I can bring Jared, Brian could bring Lynn and Adam... Uh..."
Adam shot him a look for a split second, but then looked up at Katie with a warm smile and reddened cheeks. "You want to go with me?"
Looking like Christmas had come early, Katie nodded. "I'd love to. Are you sure I won't be interrupting anything?"
"Oh, we'll be fine on our own," Chris said.
"He'll pick you up at seven-thirty," Jared told her. "Now, can I get the double bacon cheeseburger with curly fries and a large banana milkshake?"
Katie grabbed her notepad from the pocket of her dress and grinned even more brightly than before. Bubbly, thought Jensen, as she scribbled Jared's order down with her pencil. "How about everyone else?"
They all gave her their orders and Chris clapped Adam on the back as Katie headed off towards the kitchen, to pass it to the chef. Jensen settled back against Jared again, feeling sleepy when Jared's arm came around him. He was starting to feel the tiredness from his day catching up. He felt Jared kiss the tip of his ear and whisper into it, as the others talked about Saturday night and Adam's date. "You goin' to sleep on me, Jen?"
"Hmm... Yeah. You're comfy."
"Well, don't doze off before the food arrives. I'll only eat yours too."
Jensen opened his eyes and smiled, poked Jared's stomach. "Yeah, you would. You're like a human garbage disposal. Still got to work out where it all goes."
"I work it all off in bed."
"Oh, that's right. That's how come I'm so trim and healthy..." He frowned and trailed off as he saw Jared's face tighten for a moment. He might have missed it if he hadn't been looking so intently at him, but he'd seen it. "Are you all right?"
"Yeah, I'm fine."
"Jay-"
"Jensen. I'm okay. I just gotta take some more pain meds when we get home."
"And, so, what? You tough it up until then?" Jensen shook his head. "No way." He reached into his jacket pocket and dug around until he found the plastic bottle of tablets he'd swiped before they'd come out. He plonked it on the table in front of Jared and the others looked round. "There. Tell me I'm mothering you now."
"You're mothering me now."
"Jerk. Roll up your jacket sleeve. That's gotta help, right? The less weight on it, the better."
Jared leaned in close and licked his lips, slowly. "If you want me to strip-"
"Stop fucking around and just do it, okay?"
Sitting back, Jared did as he was told. He took his jacket off altogether, leaving just his black wifebeater on underneath. Then he flipped back the lid of the tablets and tipped a couple out, throwing them into his mouth and crunching down on them like they were candy. Jensen wrinkled his nose and Brian told him that there was something wrong with him. The comment only made Jared crunch louder, crushing the tablets into a fine powder which he washed down with a mouthful of water from the pitcher on the table.
"I swear to god, I can't take you anywhere," Jensen muttered, pocketing the pills once Jared was done.
"You can take me wherever you like," Jared assured him. "How about we go to the bathroom-"
"Been there, done that." Fortunately for Jensen, Katie came back then with a tray full of drinks for their table and stopped Jared from any further suggestions and dirty comments. Jensen knew he'd start up again soon enough, but for now he enjoyed the reprieve and the shift of attention back to Adam.
"Leave it," Tommy mumbled, as Donna tried to move back from his lap. He kept his strong arms around her and swept her hair back so he could kiss the side of her neck.
"It might be Kenzie," Donna told him, moving to kiss his mouth. "Let me just answer it. I'll be right back." She straightened her clothes as she stood and then reached for the phone, answering with a slightly breahtless 'hello?'
"Donna, am I interrupting anything?"
"Alan, what do you want?"
"I'm outside. I was hoping I could come up and talk to you."
Donna looked at Tommy, who had immediately scowled at the mention of Alan's name. "No, you can't." She went over to the window and looked out at the street below and, sure enough, there Alan was on the sidewalk, looking right back up at her. "Go home, Alan. This is stupid."
"Donna, I just want to talk. Kenzie told me-"
"What do you think is going to happen here? That I'll welcome you back with open arms and everything will be fine again?" She didn't hear what Alan said next, as Tommy was on his feet and asking her if that idiot was outside. She turned her back to the window and put a hand to his arm. "Tommy, no. It's okay. Alan, don't do this. You won't win me back. And don't think of using our children to make me change my mind. I like the life I have now and of course I'm sorry it doesn't include you, but that's not about to change."
There was silence on Alan's end and then the phone clicked and the dial tone sounded. Donna hung up and looked back outside, but he was already walking down the street, away from the apartments. She shook her head, tossing the phone onto an empty armchair. Jensen had warned her. She didn't think her husband would be so pathetic but it seemed that she was wrong. The sooner he accepted it was over, the better, she thought.
"Early night, babe?" Tommy asked, nodding his head towards the bedroom door.
Kenzie wouldn't be back until the next day, as she was staying over at a friend's house, supposedly to study. Donna knew that studying meant talking about boys. Her daughter was most certainly at that age now. She took Tommy's offered hand with a grateful nod. "Yes, I think so."
Full of good food, Jensen leaned back in his seat and sighed. "Think that was one of the best burgers I ever had," he declared, and everyone at the table agreed. He didn't want to move right away and it seemed that they were all content to just sit and talk. Jensen could feel his eyes growing heavy again, though, and suggested during a gap in the conversation that they all go outside to get some air. Jared took care of the bill, despite protests from Chris and Lynn, and the six of them headed out into the parking lot. Brian's car was out there, so they sat on the low wall by where it was parked and Jensen let the cool night air chill his skin and wake him up a bit.
"So Chris, you heading home?" Jared asked.
"I was going to... Why?"
"Come back with me and Jensen."
Chris's eyes flicked between the pair of them for an instant before he said, "Sure thing."
They went their separate ways a few minutes later, Jensen promising to meet with Adam before classes the following day. Chris, Jared and Jensen walked the few blocks back to the apartment block and the three of them went inside, up the stairs to the door of Jensen and Jared's home. Jared got them all a beer from the kitchen and they sat together on the sofa, Jared and Chris side by side and Jensen at the end, with his legs stretched out across both sets of knees. He kicked his boots off, sighing happily as they thudded onto the floor.
"I could go to sleep right here," he murmured, taking a swig from his bottle.
"I'm gonna need to get home at some point, so don't even think about it," Chris told him.
"Stay the night if you want, man." Jared caught the look Jensen gave him then. "Doesn't have to be about sex," he assured him. "Not always, anyway. I said it didn't have to happen or need to happen again."
Chris shrugged. "You know if the offer's there then I'll take it. And you were wrong last time, Jay."
"I was?"
"Yeah, you were. I'm into both of you." He shot Jared a cheeky grin and then downed a mouthful of beer. He swallowed, still smiling, and relaxed. "But I'm good right now. This is just fine."
"It is," Jensen agreed. He closed his eyes, tipping his head back slightly. "Thanks for tonight, Jay. I think I needed that more than I knew."
"So, Saturday night huh? We're going out now?"
"Chris is playing. The hot new band at the U. Right?"
Chris laughed quietly. "Something like that. It's a good gig for us. Should get us a few more. If they like us down there they said they'd invite us back. And it's better money than playing student parties, you know?"
"They'll like you, Chris. Me and Jay'll be there to make sure they do." Jensen put his bottle down on the floor at his end of the couch and stretched his legs out. "So, Steve knows?"
Chris sighed. "Yeah. I told him it was why me and Dani decided to split. He figured out that the guy I experimented with was you. Well, you and Jay. But he's a cool guy. He doesn't care."
"But this other housemate, he did?"
"He overheard. Made his feelings real clear. Steve used the rent thing as an excuse to throw him out. You know Steve, he'd have given him a couple weeks to sort the rent out if it hadn't been for what he'd said."
"What did he say?" Jensen asked. He wanted to know, because he couldn't imagine Steve getting that mad with anyone. Steve was one of the most easy-going guys that he knew.
"Apparently, Jen, you and me got a one-way ticket straight to hell."
Jared snorted. "I hear the partying's better down there."
"And at least we'll be with friends," Chris agreed, clinking his bottle softly against Jared's. He sighed, leaned back. "Am I supposed to be this way? I still miss Dani, I miss the sex, but-"
"You know what, it's normal. You enjoy the best of both worlds. It happens."
"So it's not just me being greedy to want it all?"
"Not if it's who you are. Anyway, you don't want all guys."
"No?"
"Nope, just me and Jen, since we're the best out there."
Now Chris laughed, thumping his knee against Jared's. "Fuckin' ass. Well, I'll drink to that."
"You'll drink to his ass?" Jensen mumbled, sleepy. Jared leaned over and kissed him at that, palm resting against his cheek.
"C'mon," he said, nudging Jensen's legs from his lap. "Time for bed."
He didn't have the energy to argue. He let Jared get him off the couch and bent to give Chris a quick kiss goodnight, nearly bumping their heads together as he misjudged it slightly. He pulled back and yawned, moaning as the air left his lungs again. "Mm, fuck," he said. "Too tired for this shit."
"Chris, are you staying?"
"Nah, I'm gonna get the bus home."
"Sure? I can give you a ride back if you want."
"It's fine. Go on and put Jensen to bed. I'll catch up with you on Saturday night."
"Definitely. We'll see you then."
Jared saw him out, leaving Jensen almost asleep on his feet in the doorway to the bedroom. Once Chris was gone and he had shut and locked the door, pulling the chain across, Jared went back to the other man and gave him a gentle push into the bedroom. It was nearing ten and Jared knew that Jensen's alarm would be set for six the next morning. He looked like he needed every one of those eight hours in between to catch up on his sleep, so he got him into bed and undressed him, laughing away the searching lips and teasing hands.
"You're way too tired for that, darlin'," he drawled. He smacked Jensen's backside lightly, got the sheets over him. Then he leaned over him and kissed him goodnight. Jensen blinked at him and pouted as it became clear that Jared wasn't quite ready to join him in bed.
"Where're you going?"
"I'm going to go watch some TV, finish my beer, and then I'll be back in here. Okay?"
"Wake me up when you come back."
Jared had no intention of doing such a thing, but he told Jensen he would anyway and left him alone, shutting the door behind him so the TV wouldn't disturb Jensen's sleep. He'd no sooner settled down than his cellphone vibrated in his pocket. He fished it out and flipped it open, not recognising the number.
"Hello?"
"Jay! Hey, buddy, are you home right now?"
He tried to place the voice and couldn't, quite. He knew it, though. "Who wants to know?"
Instead of an answer, he got, "You still fucking boys?" And then he knew who he was talking to.
"Holy shit, PJ?"
"The one and only. Pop said I'd find you at home tonight. Think I kinda interrupted him and his woman when I called. He knew I was in town tonight, though. Asshole. Can I come and crash at yours tonight? The old man told me to fuck off."
"I'm not surprised. You always were quite the cock-block."
Phin chuckled on the other end of the line. "Just 'cause he's got a new missus, means he doesn't have time for his own son? Seriously, Jay, I'm hurt here."
"I'm cryin' a fuckin' river. Where are you?"
"Starin' at your front fuckin' door. So come down and let me in. I'm gonna get arrested for loitering if I stand here much longer."
"I'll be right there. But you gotta come quietly."
"Where've I heard that before..."
"I mean it. My boyfriend's in bed."
Phin laughed out loud, spluttering out, "Boyfriend?!"
"Stay where you are. I'll come and talk to you down there."
Phin was still looking plenty amused by the time Jared got downstairs. He pulled open the door and stepped out onto the street, immediately being engulfed in a 'hey, man, I missed you' kind of hug. Phin's hand came up and ruffled his hair, and then the two men stepped back from one another, each grinning widely. Phin was as tall as Jared was, and bulkier with muscle, and Jared was reminded of every time the older man had gotten him out of trouble in their younger days. And every time he had gotten him into trouble, too.
"Must say, I didn't quite believe it when Pop said you'd moved out of the garage. Didn't think Jeff was ever gonna let you out of his sight again."
Jared shrugged. "Figured it was time to go. Jeff's married now. Got a kid."
"No fuckin' way! You're a big brother now?"
"To a little girl called Holly. You'll meet her soon enough. She's gorgeous."
"What about the wife? She hot?"
"Oh, yeah. But trust me, you're not her type."
"Fuck that. Jeff'd beat me seven shades of black and blue if I even looked at her funny. I've been on the receiving end of those fists before and I ain't lookin' to repeat the experience." Phin reached into his pocket and pulled out a battered-looking tobacco tin. He opened it up and pulled out a roll-up, setting it between his lips and fetching out a lighter from his back pocket. He offered one to Jared, surprised when he shook his head. "You quit?" He asked, the roll-up bobbing as he spoke.
"Yeah. Jensen, he doesn't really like it. I'm just trying to keep clean, that's all."
"I can see that. Your own job, your own apartment. Your own damned boyfriend. Fuck, dude, I thought old Rockman was lying, but now I see it for myself..."
Jared rubbed the back of his neck, self-conscious for the first time around his old friend. As he did, Phin caught sight of the state of his arm and was quick to wrap a hand around his wrist and hold him where he was.
"That what Coulter did to you?"
"That's what my inability to leave a burning building quickly enough did to me," Jared clarified, tugging his arm free. "Coulter just started the fire."
"Did they put him away yet?"
"They're still looking for evidence. They went and took a look at his place, searched out what was left of Mickey's, which wasn't much. Couldn't find enough to connect him with the fire. So they're just waiting for something on the weapons dealing. Sucks, right? But I expected it."
"Who's watching him?"
"Detective Tyler. He's the one in charge."
"He'll get him," Phin said, nodding. "Shit, he caught me often enough back when he was a beat cop."
"This Coulter guy is something else, though. At least you never hurt anybody."
"Fuck, no. I ain't got the heart for it." Phin took a long drag of his smoke, sighing as he exhaled. "So can I stay?"
"You can crash on the couch. It's all we've got."
"Hell, I'll take it. I've slept in worse places. You sure the hubby won't mind?"
"I'm sure. Finish that and I'll show you up."
Phin flicked the half-finished smoke away to the road and hefted his bag onto his shoulder. "I'm done."
Jensen was half-asleep when Jared went back into the bedroom and he stirred as Jared leaned over and kissed him. "Hey..."
"Mm... Wha'?"
"I don't want you to freak out in the morning so I'm telling you now. We have a guest, sleeping on the couch. An old friend of mine."
Jensen nodded and turned over onto his side. "Okay."
"You listening?"
"Yeah, I heard ya." Jensen blew out a breath and pulled the sheets up over his head. Jared shook his head, knowing he'd have to explain this come morning. He got undressed and got under the sheets behind Jensen, putting an arm around him and kissing the back of his neck. That earned him a quiet moan and he tightened his hold on Jensen, letting him be so he could sleep. He wondered how the younger man was going to react to Phin. He was the sort of guy who would probably take a bit of getting used to if you didn't know him. Jared hoped they would get on.
Jared woke when Jensen did the next morning, but it wasn't to the alarm. Half an hour before the alarm was due to go off they were both startled awake by the buzzer for their door sounding loudly through the apartment.
"What the fuck?" Jared said, annoyed. He threw back the sheets and pulled some jeans on, telling Jensen to stay where he was. He knew Jensen wouldn't listen though and, sure enough, the other man was right behind him, tugging pyjama bottoms up his legs as he went. He stopped short when he saw Phin on the couch, rubbing his eyes as he woke up. Jared turned and waved a hand between them. "Jensen, meet Phin, Rock's son. Phin, meet Jen."
"The other half, right?" Phin asked, sticking out his hand.
Jensen took a step forward and was about to shake it when the buzzer sounded again, startling them all.
"I'm fucking coming," Jared growled, unlocking and yanking open the apartment door and thudding down the stairs. He threw the main door open and stared out at the middle-aged woman who was stood there. "Yes?"
"Evelyn?"
Jared turned, finding Jensen right behind him on the first step. He looked back to the woman, trying to figure out how Jensen would know her. Her next words helped him figure it out.
"Jensen, thank goodness you're here. I asked Steve for your address and he gave me your mother's new number. She told me where I could find you. I'm so sorry to wake you at this hour, but-"
"What's happened?" Jensen asked, moving past Jared and setting his hands to Evelyn's shoulders.
"Chris was... He was in an accident."
Jensen's heart leapt into his throat and he nearly lost his balance, but Jared was there to catch him. "What kind of accident?"
"A car hit him. He was walking from the bus-stop to where he and Steve live and this car hit him and just carried on going." Mrs Kane was near to crying again, and Jensen felt close himself. She hugged him to her, and he felt her tears on his bare shoulder.
"Is he conscious?" Jared asked.
She lifted her head, wiped at her face. "Yes, he's... He's hurt. Jensen, he wants you to come and see him."
There was no question as to whether Jensen would go or not. He squeezed Evelyn's shoulders. "Give me five minutes."
--TBC--
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